Skyvan Aircraft

asked the Minister of State for Defence what steps have been taken to evaluate the Skyvan aircraft and its derivatives manufactured by Short Brothers and Harland; and if he will make a statement on its possible procurement for use by British Armed Forces.

The Skyvan was evaluated by the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment in 1969 and by the Army Aviation Centre in 1972. It is an excellent and versatile aircraft but the Services have no current requirement for this type of aeroplane.